A Portadown man who was spotted unsteady on his feet getting into a vehicle outside an off-licence has been handed a 14 month ban.
Court heard that the 64-year-old, who has no record, gave a reading of 99mg of alcohol in 100ml of breath, when he was later tested by police.
Joseph Watson, of Clanbrassil Avenue, had a plea of guilty entered on his behalf to driving with excess alcohol at Craigavon Magistrates’, sitting at Lisburn, on Wednesday.
Prosecution outlined that the offence occurred on March 30. The defendant had been spotted unsteady on his feet before getting into a vehicle outside a local off-licence on Killycomaine Road.
Police attended Watson’s home and found the same vehicle on his driveway. A breath test of the defendant gave a reading of 99mg of alcohol in 100ml of breath.
After it was confirmed that the defendant had no record, District Judge Amanda Henderson commented: “He has obviously been driving for many years for which he is due credit but this is not the lowest reading.”
Defence solicitor Karen Boal stated: “This is a man with a clear licence and a clear record. Mr Watson is a full time bookkeeper.
“He readily admits he has an alcohol problem, he had engaged with community addictions but had only attended one meeting before they were put on hold due to the coronavirus pandemic.”
District Judge Henderson commented: “This is simply too high for 12 months.”
Watson was disqualified from driving for 15 months and was ordered to pay a fine of £400, along with the offender’s levy of £15, within 12 weeks.
The defendant was certified for the drink driving course which would see his ban reduced by one quarter upon completion.
